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A l t e r n a t i v e T h e r a p i e s f o r
P a i n m a n a g e m e n t
T h i s m o n t h : N e u r o f e e d b a c k
Similar to biofeedback, which we discussed locations for these electrodes will be deter- symptoms of fibromyalgia, including:
last time, Neurofeedback (NF), or EEG bio- mined by the NF practitioner. Once in place, Depression, Anxiety, Chronic Pain, Sleep
feedback, helps reduce your fibromyalgia the electrodes will send a signal to a com- disorders, Managing stress, Chronic head-
symptoms by changing your brainwave pat- puter, which then translates these signals to aches & Short term memory loss.
terns. Helpful for treating many symptoms of reflect brainwave activity. The therapist will NF is used for Chronic Fatigue as well,
fibromyalgia, ranging from depression to be able to see brainwave patterns on one although this area has not been as thor-
chronic pain, NF can help eliminate discom- screen while for the patient, the feedback oughly researched.
fort due to fibromyalgia. Wouldn’t eliminat- will be relayed through video, sound, or NF is often done in a clinical setting. Al-
ing our discomfort be wonderful?!? vibration. though the initial appointment may run as
NF is an easy and pain-free form of fi- There are many different disorders and ail- long as two hours, the therapist will need
to review medical and family history,
bromyalgia treatment, it allows a person to ments that NF has been shown to be useful
meetings thereafter will likely last between
"learn" a new way of creating brainwaves. By for. The most widely researched is ADD/
40 minutes and an hour. Just how often
altering brainwaves, the negative fibromyal- ADHD, although its use in treating those one will need to go for a "training session"
gia symptoms associated with old brainwave suffering from seizures, teeth grinding, and will depend on the issues patients are seek-
patterns disappear. The main goal of this cerebral palsy, among other things, has also ing help for as well as the results hoped
therapy is to give a person the conscious been examined. The role NF has in treating for. Anywhere from one to five times a
control to alter their brainwaves. fibromyalgia has also been lightly studied week may be normal. On average, most
people notice a change in condition within
During a NF training session, electrodes are with positive results. NF has also been
the first 10 classes,
placed on the scalp and ears. The precise found helpful for treating a number of Continued on Page 4
M e d i c a l T r e a t m e n t s f o r F M
Just as there are many, many fibromyalgia With the help of our health care provid- prefer a specific type of treatment, like
symptoms, there are just as many treatments. ers, we should be able to come up with a massage therapy or heat therapy, another
Treatment for fibromyalgia is very comprehen- unique treatment plan that addresses may find biofeedback or guaifenesin ther-
sive and usually involves more than one health our own particular needs. Our treat- apy to be more beneficial. Same with
care provider. This could include: Your family ment plans should continually change as medications. What works for one patient
doc, An Internal Medicine doc, a Neurologist, a our condition changes. Since individual may not work for another. By working
Rheumatologist, a chiropractor, occupational manifestations of fibromyalgia vary with your health care team, you can find
therapist, physiotherapist, etc. Currently I am from patient to patient, so do most suc- the appropriate type of treatment just for
using my Family Doc and a Neurologist. cessful forms of treatment. Finding a you.
health care provider that provides us
With all types of treatments, the goal is to mini- with our own proper treatment is essen- Finding a doc or specialist that you prefer
mize our symptoms and improve our general tial. Hopefully the tips you read in my and that works with you is very important.
health. Brain mapping is one diagnostic proce- newsletters will help you find the right Finding the right medical treatments that
dure that can help to better identify certain doc and help you to build a healthy rela- work for you is also important. Communi-
discomforts. This can help us to receive appro- tionship with him/her. My hope with cate with your doc. It may take a few dif-
priate treatments. Furthermore, since the publishing these newsletters is to help ferent types of treatments before you find
symptoms of fibromyalgia come and go and you to work with your doc in finding the the right one.
change, treatment is an ongoing process rather best treatments for your individual case.
than management of a single episode.
What works for one patient may not
work for another. While one person may
V o l u m e 2 , I s s u e 1 P a g e 2
I s I t T i m e To F i n d A N e w D o c ?
Ok, now that you have learned to 3. Your doctor dismisses all alternative 6. Your doctor refuses to
find a new physician, and how to treatments as quackery. refer you to a specialist.
communicate with him, now we
are going to learn when it’s time to give up Are you hesitant to tell your doctor If you ask for a referral to a
the doc you have and find a new one. I about supplements you’ve been taking specialist, does your doctor refuse with-
should know, I have had to do that. for fear of the lecture you’ll re- out explaining why? (It took my Doc
ceive? Does your doctor make you about 4-5 months before he finally let
I know that once you have established a feel foolish if you inquire about an alter- me see a specialist) Is your doctor of-
relationship with a doc, it is hard to decide native treatment like acupuncture or fended if you ask for a second opinion?
if it is time to go looking for a new one. massage therapy? It’s time… It’s time...
Our relationship with our docs is personal
and if we have been with the same one for
years, it is even harder to make that call/ 4. Your doctor refuses to look at ANY 7. Your doctor views each appointment
decision to find a new one. So, if you are information you find on the Internet. as an isolated event.
unsatisfied or unsettled with your current
doc, and not sure if it’s time to start look- Does your doctor reject anything found Does your doctor fail to review your
ing for another, here are 10 signs to look on the Internet regardless of the chart at each appointment to refresh his
for: source? Is your doctor unaware of the memory, look for symptom patterns,
fact that there is a great deal of quality, and observe treatment history? Do you
1. Your doctor doesn’t listen to you. respected medical information available get the feeling your doctor has no idea
on the Internet (for example, most major who you are? Does your doctor treat
Does your doctor routinely interrupt you medical journals, National Library of you like a new patient, asking you the
after one or two sentences? Do you find Medicine), or is anything found on the same questions you were asked at your
your doctor attending to other matters Internet dismissed without further inves- last four appointments? It’s time...
while you are trying to explain your tigation? If so...it’s time...
symptoms? (i.e. answering his cell 8. Your doctor is rude, arrogant, or
phone while with you) Does your doc- 5. Your doctor is unwilling to consider inconsiderate.
tor repeatedly ask you questions you’ve your ideas.
already answered? It’s time... Is your doctor’s attitude one of “Do
If you ask to have a lab test run or re- what I tell you to and don’t ask ques-
2. Your doctor doesn’t believe you’re quest a new medication, does your doc- tions”? Does your doctor make you feel
really sick. tor usually refuse without explaining as if you are wasting his valuable
why? When you express concern about time? Does your doctor talk to you in a
Do you find your doctor frequently at- something, such as a symptom or medi- condescending or patronizing man-
tributing your symptoms to age, stress cation side-effect, does your doctor tell ner? When you ask a question, does
or hormones? If you have a chronic you not to worry about it without ad- your doctor ever make you feel foolish
illness like fibromyalgia or chronic fa- dressing your concerns? If you say you or stupid? Does your doctor routinely
tigue syndrome, does your doctor dis- think you might have a particular dis- keep you in the waiting room for several
miss it as either non-existent or a ease or condition, does your doctor say, hours? Do you usually have to leave
“wastebasket diagnosis”? (Mine “No, you don’t have that” without tell- multiple messages before getting a re-
did) Does your doctor imply that most ing you why that’s not a possibility? sponse? It’s time...
of your problems are psychosomatic? It’s time...
It’s time...
W h a t ’ s N e w I n t h e N e w s ?
A n d o t h e r a n n o u n c e m e n t s
Fibromyalgia &
Fibromyalgia &
Pregnancy You
You also need to stay in touch stress, especially in the first three sure you talk with your doctor
If you have fibromyalgia and with your fibromyalgia specialist months. With pregnancy, there before you stop any medicines.
are thinking about getting when symptoms flare. are changes in the levels of estro-
pregnant, it's important to gen, progesterone, and other hor- What treatments are recom-
learn all you can about both mones. Also, since the time after mended for fibromyalgia dur-
conditions. Sometimes, symp- a pregnancy can be difficult for ing pregnancy? To avoid letting
How does fibromyalgia affect mothers -- even those without fibromyalgia interfere with preg-
toms of fibromyalgia -- such pregnancy? Along with weight fibromyalgia -- it's important to nancy, know what steps you can
as pain, fatigue, and depres- gain, your body is out of balance, be aware of the possible increase take to ease the symptoms. The
sion -- are thought to be signs and your shape takes a different safest treatments for pregnant
of the pregnancy itself. As a in pain and other symptoms that
form. There are few studies on may occur after giving birth. women with fibromyalgia may
result, they may be under- fibromyalgia in pregnant women. include massage, exercise, yoga,
treated. In addition, the added However, a recent study at Tem- meditation, and rest. If you suffer
stress of having a baby may ple University found that women with fatigue and ache all over,
cause fibromyalgia symptoms with fibromyalgia had more Are fibromyalgia medications
safe during pregnancy? At this make sure you rest 20 to 30 min-
to flare, making you feel symptoms of pain during preg- utes at least two or three times a
much worse. nancy than women who did not time, no fibromyalgia medica-
Managing fibromyalgia dur- tions are completely safe to use day. A warm shower or bath is a
have fibromyalgia. Also, fi- good way to ease pain. Also, use
ing pregnancy is possible. But bromyalgia symptoms seemed to during pregnancy. In fact, doctors gentle stretching exercises and
you need to spend time learn- be exacerbated during pregnancy. recommend that women with exercises recommended by your
ing about the effects of preg- Pregnant women with fibromyal- fibromyalgia go off of painkillers doctor for relief.
nancy on symptoms of fi- gia may experience significant and antidepressants before they
bromyalgia syndrome (FMS). pain, fatigue, and psychological become pregnant. However, be
(Continued on page 4)
V o l u m e 2 , I s s u e 1 P a g e 4
although further training will likely be necessary. 9. Your doctor’s staff is frequently rude or Why is exercise important for fi-
Total length of the treatment will vary from pa- unreliable. bromyalgia and pregnancy? Exercise
tient to patient and be dependent on their issue. helps keep you fit. It strengthens muscles,
Are staff members rude to you in person or keeps joints flexible, and boosts mood by
For example, individuals seeking help for ADD on the phone? Have there been times that increasing serotonin in your body. Sero-
may require 40 or more appointments while your messages were not given to the doc- tonin is a neurotransmitter that scientists
those dealing with chronic pain may need less tor? Do they fail to call in prescription re- have found to be related to fibromyalgia.
than 20 sessions. Patient and the NF trainer will fills in a timely manner? It’s time…(this Neurotransmitters are chemicals that send
was one of my biggest reasons for chang- specific messages from one cell to another.
discuss what the right length of treatment is for ing)….. While only a small percentage of serotonin
circumstance. This can usually be determined is located in the brain, this neurotransmit-
within the first few sessions. 10. Your doctor refuses to cooperate with ter is believed to play a vital role in medi-
Few adverse side effects of NF have been found other healthcare professionals as part of ating moods.
when the technique is practiced properly and your healthcare team.
under professional guidance. As for results, be- Too much stress can lead to permanently
Is your doctor unwilling to take the time to low levels of serotonin. That, in turn, can
cause the brain is effectively being taught a new connect and compare notes with other mem- lead to aggression and feelings of depres-
skill, once this skill is learned and mastered, it bers of your healthcare team (for example, sion. Lack of exercise can aggravate low
can be retained and continuously used. There- specialists or physical therapists)? It’s serotonin levels. On the other hand, in-
fore, it is thought that, in most instances, the time... creased levels of serotonin in the brain are
associated with a calming, anxiety reduc-
results of NF are permanent. To Switch or Not to Switch ing effect. In some cases they are also
Depending on where a person goes for NF train- associated with drowsiness. Having a sta-
ing and the experience of the professional offer- Should you look for a new doctor if even ble level of serotonin in the brain is linked
ing the training, one session may cost between one of these signs is true of your doc- with a positive mood.
$50 and $125. Some insurance providers may tor? Not necessarily. It depends on what is
important to you. You really need to take
cover some of the cost or offer an annual cap on everything into consideration and decided. Are women especially affected by levels
services. In some cases, it may be necessary to For myself, it wasn’t just one thing that of serotonin? It appears that women may
provide the insurance company with both a diag- made me do it, it was one thing too many have a greater sensitivity to changes in
nosis and prescription from either a doctor or a that broke the camels back, so to speak. serotonin. Mood swings during the men-
psychiatrist before being issued re-imbursement. strual cycle or menopause or following the
There is no such thing as a perfect doc- birth of a baby are induced by the action of
Medicare also covers NF in some instances for tor. Personalities vary and a doctor that you hormones on neurotransmitters.
certain conditions. love, may be intolerable to another patient.
Here is a link with some great info regarding NF Ultimately, the decision is yours. Just re-
member that you deserve the best health- Various factors can have a positive effect
to provide your doc or insurance provider. http:// care you can get. Your doctor provides a on serotonin levels. These include sunlight,
www.eegspectrum.com/HealthProfIntro/ service––healthcare. You are paying for certain carbohydrate foods, some hor-
ManagedCareProviders/ that service. I have said this before, the doc mones, and exercise. Exercise acts as na-
works for YOU. You don’t work for the ture's tranquilizer, helping to boost sero-
Depending on some things I have going regard- tonin levels in the brain. Studies show that
doc. If you’re not receiving satisfactory
ing my own treatment, I may just provide my service, you need to take your business exercise also triggers the release of epi-
elsewhere. nephrine and norepinephrine, which are
own doc with the info and see what he says. known to boost alertness.
In love and health, Jodie
What exercises can I do with fibromyal-
gia during pregnancy? Yoga along with
other stretching and normal daily activities
during pregnancy, consider exercising in a
warm swimming pool. The heat might help
ease the fibromyalgia pain while the
stretching and other low-impact exercise
can keep your muscles and joints flexible
and strong.
F r o m “ yo u ”
You asked and you shall receive. A few of you asked for some information specifically regarding Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Here is
part 3.
W h a t H a p p e n s ?
In some cases, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) develops after an illness such as mononucleosis (mono) or flu, or after a period
of unusual stress. But it may also develop without warning, even if you have not been sick. The fatigue may come upon you
gradually or quite suddenly. Because fatigue can be vague and can be caused by many things, you might not pay attention to
the problem for several weeks or months. It is hard to say what is normal with CFS because the diagnosis often is not clear for
some time.
In general: Symptoms are worse at the beginning. Later, you may feel better for a time and then feel worse again. Or, your
symptoms may disappear entirely. Many people improve in a year or two and do not have a relapse. Some people continue to
have severe fatigue and other symptoms for many years. Research shows that the seasons affect when many people get CFS.
The highest numbers of people who develop the illness are diagnosed from November through January. Some people find the
fatigue, pain, and thinking problems caused by CFS greatly hamper their lives, but other people are not nearly as affected.
Most people are still able to perform some of their usual activities at home and work, but they often are unusually tired after they
do them. People often have to cut down on social and recreational activities to save their energy for work and family.
Other people have trouble doing most or all of their daily activities, including work and the basic chores of daily living. They may
have to carefully plan how to best use their energy.
People who are most severely affected by CFS may have difficulty getting out of bed and may require help with basic activities
such as dressing, eating, and bathing.
As with many long-lasting illnesses, you may develop depression at some point. Be-
tween 50% and 66% of people with CFS do. Here are some important facts to keep in
mind:
Your mind and body are connected and influence each other. Physical illnesses can be
made worse-or better-by feelings and attitudes, and vice versa.
Your fatigue is real, not imaginary. It is your body's reaction to a complex interaction of
both emotional and physical factors. To successfully manage your CFS and get back to
normal, you need to pay careful attention to how what you are doing and feeling affects
your symptoms. CFS is often made worse by depression or anxiety. Like any other
medical illness, these conditions may need to be treated. Helping your depression or
anxiety can, in turn, help your other CFS symptoms. This does not mean that your
symptoms are all in your head. It does mean that your mental health can affect your
physical health.
If you have CFS and feel depressed, talk to your doctor. Medicine for depression may
help you feel better and help you cope with the stresses of having a chronic illness.
Some of these meds may even help with other symptoms.